Forcys outlines how Sonardyne’s SPRINT-Nav and Vigilant Forward Looking Sonar (FLS) can provide the navigation accuracy and situational awareness required by autonomous Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) operating in GNSS-denied or spoofed environments.
In contested maritime environments, unreliable positioning data can present a significant risk to an autonomous USV. A directional electronic warfare attack may introduce a high-amplitude counterfeit signal into a GNSS receiver, gradually causing the vessel’s reported position to diverge from its true course.
This can force a USV away from its intended route, creating physical danger or contributing to operational failure. Forcys highlights the need for physical sensor references that allow satellite information to be checked against the vessel’s actual movement and surrounding environment.
SPRINT-Nav Provides an Alternative Navigation Reference
Sonardyne’s SPRINT-Nav combines an Inertial Navigation System (INS), Doppler Velocity Log (DVL), pressure sensor, and acoustic positioning within a tightly coupled instrument.
If GNSS information is spoofed, SPRINT-Nav senses the vessel’s true hydrodynamic motion and acceleration, providing an accurate alternative to compromised GNSS data.
Vigilant FLS Provides Real-Time Seabed Awareness
Vigilant FLS provides real-time 3D imagery of the seabed and subsurface environment. The resulting real-time chart can be used to support navigation, including in uncharted environments.
Supporting Resilient USV Operations
Together, SPRINT-Nav and Vigilant FLS provide navigation and environmental information that can support USV operations when GNSS data becomes unreliable. Forcys outlines how these capabilities contribute to navigation accuracy, situational awareness, and mission integrity in GNSS-denied or spoofed environments.
